New deal, promotion for Dockers rookie

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FREMANTLE rookie Bailey Banfield has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension after playing all but one game in his debut season.

The mature-age Claremont product will also be elevated to the senior list next season after extending his stay at the Dockers until 2020.

Overlooked in two national drafts, Banfield has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, performing some excellent shutdown roles on star opposition midfielders.

The 20-year-old was picked in round one and played every game until he made way for team balance ahead of the Dockers' win over Carlton on Sunday.

"It's been awesome playing through the midfield and lining up in the centre square bounces with some of the biggest names in footy," Banfield said.

"It's been one of the highlights of my year.

"You're just playing on the best player and you're seeing what they do, their work rate and just the little tips and tricks about how they get the ball and how they defend and filing that away for future use."

Banfield has averaged nearly 15 disposals and four tackles, and is in the mix for a recall to take on one of Geelong's star midfield trio Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood or Gary Ablett this Saturday.